How do I regulate my period without birth control?

A:

Quick Answer

WebMD explains that irrelegular periods may be treated by various methods including lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, surgery and correcting an underlying disease. The method chosen to regulate a menstrual cycle without birth control may depend upon the reason for the irregularity.

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According to WebMD, underlying diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism often affect the menstrual cycle. Doctors may use hormone treatments to induce a period, particularly for people with polycystic ovary syndrome. Doctors may prescibe infertility drugs for people who hope to become pregnant or thyroid hormones for patients with hypothyroidism.

WebMD also notes that some women experience an irregular period due to lifestyle circumstances such as exercising too much or dealing with stress. In cases like these, decreasing the frequency and intensity of workouts or engaging in relaxation techniques may help to regulate the menstrual cycle. Both extreme weight loss and weight gain may prompt an irregular period; when patients gain or lose weight, their periods may get back to normal. When a patient's hormones are imbalanced, hormone therapy may be required. WebMD also discusses cases in which scarring or structural problems occur in the uterus or fallopian tubes; these cases call for surgery to remove severe scar tissue in the reproductive tract.